• Check your oil every week, or every time you fill up with fuel.  On most newer cars, the items you need to check are labeled, and some manufacturers have even color coded them.  You can also find diagrams in your owner's manual.
• About every three months or 6,000 miles, if you have an automatic, check the automatic transmission fluid.  This, like the oil, has a dipstick, usually farther back on the engine.  Transmission fluid and filter should be changed every 25-30,000 miles.
• While you are under the hood, check the battery.  Most newer batteries are maintenance-free and sealed.  Check the little window and read the instructions on the battery cover.  You should also check the posts for corrosion.  Sometimes there is a whitish buildup on them.  A small amount of baking soda in water and a rag will clean that off.
• At least twice a year or every 12,000 miles, check the belts in your vehicle for cracks and fraying.
• Monthly, you should check the coolant level.  Most newer cars have an overflow recovery near the radiator.  As long as the coolant is between the lines indicated on the tank, the level is correct.  With older cars, you may have to open the radiator.  If you do, use heavy gloves and follow the directions in your manual to avoid being burned.  Your antifreeze should be changed every 3-4 years.
• Also, while under the hood, you should take a look at the plug wires.  These are long, fairly thin wires which look like they plug into the sides of your engine.  There will be 4 to 12, depending upon how many cylinders your engine has. As with the belts, look for cracking and fraying.
• Brake fluid should be checked about once a month.  The master cylinder is usually located on the driver's side, near where the steering column comes out under the hood.  Most newer ones have a screw top, and some are even clear, allowing you to check the level without opening.  Either way, there are levels, like for the coolant.  Be sure the fluid is between the lines while the car is on level ground.  Brake fluid should be changed every 3-4 years.
• If your car has power steering, check the power steering fluid level every time you change the oil.  There is a small dipstick either attached to the filler cap or on the body of the power steering pump.  Check to see that the level is in the proper area.
• Your tires should be checked weekly for air pressure, tread depth, and for cuts, bruises and other damage.  To check tread depth, just stick a penny in the tire, head facing you and down.  If the top of Lincoln's head shows, there is probably less than 2/32" of tread, and you should make arrangements to replace the tire.  Make sure each tire has a valve stem cap, and to see that the stems are ok.  The pressure level for the tires should follow the manufacturers levels from your manual, or the sidewall of the tire.  Don't forget the spare!  Tires should be rotated every 7,500 - 8,000 miles.
• Any time you are under the hood, check the washer fluid level.  The container should be clear.  Also check the wipers.  Monthly, you should clean the windshield with a professional glass cleaner.  When you are done, wipe the windshield wiper blades with the rag.  Check for cracking or peeling on the blade, and replace them (both) if necessary.
  
  Back to "Your Car"

Lightning Lube
764 Mast Road
Manchester, NH  03102

(603) 624-8007

 ©2000, Lightning Lube

Web Site Design & Hosting by
iAccessAmerica